Appearances can be deceiving, and financial predators are experts at deception. “Con” is short for confidence,” and a successful con artist relies on his ability to appear honest and trustworthy even as he cheats you of your money.

Anyone can become a victim of investment fraud. You don’t have to be wealthy or live in a big city to be targeted by a con artist. You may be a sophisticated, experienced investor and still fall for a smooth scam.

Unfamiliar with how our financial markets work, many people don’t know how to research an investment or its seller thoroughly. Many fall prey to affinity group fraud.